Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto has appointed Claris Awuor Ogangah as the new Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
In a Gazette Notice dated October 2, 2025, Ruto confirmed that Ogangah would serve for a six-year term.
Her appointment followed successful vetting and approval by Parliament, as required under Article 250(2)(c) of the Constitution and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act.
The appointment comes just a few months after Duncan Ojwang, who had initially been nominated for the position, formally declined the offer.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula told MPs in a past sitting last month that he had received a letter from Ojwang, citing personal reasons and a potential conflict of interest.
“In light of the foregoing, the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs is directed to cease any further consideration of the nominee,” Wetang’ula announced, while instructing the Clerk to notify the appointing authority.
Ojwang’s withdrawal was the latest twist in a competitive selection process that had seen his name shortlisted alongside five others from a pool of 17 applicants.
A respected academic and human rights expert, Ojwang’s nomination had also been challenged in court by the Katiba Institute and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), which argued that his appointment violated Article 250(11) of the Constitution.
The petitioners said the law bars both the chairperson and vice chairperson of a commission from being of the same gender.
Since KNCHR vice chairperson Raymond Nyeris is male, the groups argued Ojwang’s nomination was unconstitutional.
By settling on Ogangah, President Ruto not only resolves the gender balance question but also strengthens KNCHR’s leadership at a critical time.
Ogangah, a seasoned lawyer and governance practitioner, brings with her vast experience in human rights advocacy, constitutional reform, and public interest litigation.
Her appointment is expected to inject fresh momentum into the commission, which has faced criticism over capacity gaps in addressing human rights violations, especially in cases involving security agencies.
The KNCHR is the country’s premier watchdog on human rights and plays an advisory role to the government, while also monitoring compliance with international obligations.
Ogangah will serve a six-year term, with her leadership set to shape the commission’s work in advancing civil liberties, strengthening the rule of law, and championing social justice across the country.
The commission also receives and investigates complaints about human rights violations, and takes steps such as mediation, conciliation, or referring cases to court or other authorities.
It also visits places of detention (police cells, prisons, mental health institutions) to ensure rights of detainees are protected.
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